Singapore’s first homegrown travel retailer One World Duty Free has opened a flagship duplex store at the Singapore Flyer. 

The shop, located close to the Marina Bay Sands hotel and exhibition centre, offers a range of liquor, eyewear and beauty brands, as well as local names. 

Currently in a soft-launch phase, the first floor of the duplex is set to open in the second quarter of 2024.

Once fully operational, the total space will span 3,735sq ft with a “pure retail” concept powered by “immersive and integrated” technology. 

International brands available in store include Martell, Moet & Chandon, Glenmorangie, Saint Laurent, Prada, and Bottega Veneta.

Local names span TWG Tea, Tiger Balm, Aroma Truffle, Risis, Kim’s Duet, and The 1872 Clipper Tea Co. 

The opening coincides with the Lunar New Year festive season. Singapore and China implemented a mutual visa exemption agreement ahead of the holiday. 

Singapore welcomed 1.13 million Chinese passengers from January to October 2023, a number set to grow substantially with the visa-free travel. 

One World Duty Free: ‘Raising the bar’

“Innovation is at the heart of everything that we do,” said Keira Zhang, One World Duty Free Chief Executive Officer.

“When I first founded this company, I realised competing in a male-dominated industry meant that ODF had to be different. We went in with the goal to disrupt – and that means the entire concept is based on deviating from what others are doing. The opening of the Singapore Flyer store is an absolute testament to that. 

“We will soon integrate an optimised shopping experience through technology and automation, which speaks volumes for ODF raising the bar in the retail segment for an unparalleled level of service, making us proud to be uniquely Singaporean.”

Beibei Tang, One World Duty Free Managing Director added: “Due to the pandemic in 2020, there was a significant drop in footfall and pax numbers. 

“Since then, the consumer demands have evolved drastically, and we have had to alter our roadmap to target this new breed and generation of consumers. 

“Our level one concept, which is set to open its doors in Q2, has a creative concept that targets this goal specifically, but I can’t reveal too much for now. 

“Although we are a newcomer in the industry, we believe that our Singapore Flyer opening sends a clear message that ODF is a force to be reckoned with, and was strategically orchestrated to ensure that ODF becomes top of mind among inbound pax.”

Ringo Leung, General Manager of Singapore Flyer, commented: “We are delighted to extend a warm welcome to ODF’s flagship store as our anchor tenant, furthering our vision to enhance tourism offerings for visitors at the Singapore Flyer and showcase the Singapore brand globally. 

“We look forward to seeing ODF’s contribution to making the Singapore Flyer a more vibrant tourist hub for entertainment, dining and shopping.”

At the start of 2024, Gary Leong joined One World Duty Free as Marketing Director. Formerly Travel Retail Director at Foreo, he takes on all marketing, PR and communications responsibilities at the retailer.